Hoka Clifton 10 - Women's Review

With a wide outsole, a rearfoot frame, and a neutral rocker, the Hoka Clifton 10 is a stable running shoe designed for runners who want to tackle their miles with comfort and support.

Cushioning

The midsole of the Hoka Clifton 10 is stacked with CMEVA foam, which feels light and rebounds well underfoot. The rearfoot stands at 37 mm in height, which feels comfortable when paired with its 8 mm heel-to-toe drop. The forefoot stands at 29 mm above the ground, which is high enough for joints to feel protected and cushioned without completely losing connection with the terrain beneath you. While the midsole foam rebounds well and doesn't pack out prematurely with wear, it doesn't offer a very energetic ride. This may be important to consider if you are looking to increase your pace and leg turnover.

Upper Comfort

The Clifton 10 is more comfortable than past versions. Even still, it offers a somewhat unique fit profile, making it less likely to be a universal slam dunk. The upper mesh is comfortable and smooth, which pairs nicely with the stable heel collar and plush tongue. The tongue isn't gusseted, which could potentially improve how seamless the upper feels. The main drawback we noticed while running in the Clifton 10 is that the medial edge of the foot tapers in a bit dramatically, making the entire shoe feel narrow. This is especially unfortunate since the width of the platform is actually 4.9 inches, which is notably wider than many road running shoes. Hoka offers wide and extra-wide versions of the Clifton, which could help mitigate the issues caused by this taper. Otherwise, the Clifton is a comfortable, unintrusive option to consider.

Stability

The Clifton 10 includes Hoka's Rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame, which adds a low-profile level of support on this otherwise high-profile shoe. This build helps hold the heel cup secure without adding supports across the side walls and forefoot.

The result is a shoe that maintains its stability without riding like an in-your-face stability shoe. Runners who want the certainty of some stability while maintaining some flexibility on the lateral edges might enjoy the ride offered by the updated Clifton.

Weight

The Clifton is designed as a lower-weight, maximally cushioned shoe that delivers a significant underfoot stack while avoiding the added heft often associated with highly cushioned running shoes. This combination allows runners to enjoy the plush protection and comfort of a thick midsole without feeling weighed down, making it suitable for daily mileage, recovery runs, or long-distance efforts. Each women's size 6.5 Clifton 10 weighs 6.97 ounces. For runners who want the benefits of a high-stack shoe without sacrificing agility or ease of movement, the Clifton offers a versatile and approachable option.

Traction

The Hoka Clifton offers solid traction, which is a vast improvement when compared to the outsole of its predecessor. The Clifton is reliable on dry, paved surfaces, but holds its own if the terrain becomes damp with splashes and precipitation.

Should You Buy the Hoka Clifton 10?

Runners who want a user-friendly daily shoe that can tackle all types of mileage should consider the updated Clifton by Hoka. It isn't a standout shoe in any one metric, but rather spreads its awesomeness out to become one of the more versatile options in our lineup. It falls a bit short in terms of energy return, making it a less suitable choice for speedwork. However, daily miles of walking and running can be easily achieved in this comfortable road running shoe.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?

The Hoka Bondi 9 is a similarly designed shoe that offers a bit more in the way of stability structures and a lot more in terms of heft. While the undercarriages aren't wildly different, the Bondi feels noticeably heavier underfoot. The Bondi offers a more standard fit, which may appeal to some runners and is a great walking shoe for those just toe dipping into running. The Asics Novablast 5 is a bouncier and more energetic daily trainer that weighs less and offers a bit more versatility than the Clifton. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is another well-cushioned road running shoe that protects joints and offers well-rounded versatility for daily mileage.